Metachronal rhythm

A metachronal rhythm or metachronal wave refers to wavy movements produced by the sequential action (as opposed to synchronized) of structures such as cilia, segments of worms, or legs.

This pattern is found widely in nature such as on the cilia of many aquatic organisms such as ctenophores, molluscs, ciliates as well as on the epithelial surfaces of many body organs.

Individual cilia, when part of a metachronal wave being used for protist locomotion, individually beat in a pattern similar to the planar stroke of a flagellum.

[3] Such metachronal motion has been shown to enhance fluid transport properties in natural cilia.

[4] Metachronal motion has also been replicated in synthetic microfluidic systems using magnetic filaments.